05th Sep 2018

Alder Hey Specialist orthopaedic surgeon wins prestigious award

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool Alf Bass has been named top doctor at the WellChild Awards.

The glittering awards ceremony held in London in association with GSK orthopaedic by charity patron The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry and The Duchess of Sussex Megan Markle.

Mr Bass said: “It was an incredible honour to be named winner of the doctor award by WellChild.

“Treating children is incredibly rewarding because you establish a relationship with the child and their family.

“It’s being part of this relationship, which makes the job completely different from any other form of orthopaedic surgery.

“If I can make a difference to the quality of their lives – that’s what makes my job worthwhile.”

Hundreds of nominations were received from across the country, with the winners chosen by an esteemed panel of judges including leading health professionals; and children and young people who face serious illness themselves.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, HR,H Prince Harry said:“Every one of you is truly amazing. You have shown all of us what it means to be a champion – whether for yourself, your family, your community, or someone in need.”

Mr Bass who specialises in the care of children with neuromuscular conditions including cerebral palsy was nominated for his award for his role in leading the development of surgery in this field, enabling children with severe mobility and neurodevelopmental needs to manage their pain and to improve their mobility.

This work included the creation of one of the main Gait Labs in the UK, which allows a range of professionals to study the movement of children and has radically redesigned the whole service at Alder Hey shifting the emphasis from surgery to rehabilitation.

General manager of medicine Glenna Smith who nominated him for the award said: “Watching Mr Bass work with these children is a joy to behold.

“His skill in engaging with children who cannot always express themselves in a traditional way is so impressive.

“He treats these patients with the care and respect they deserve.”

She added: “As an individual who had never worked with children with severe health needs I have learned so much observing him. I cannot speak highly enough of him.”

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